How to Keep Your Pet’s Teeth Clean: 7 Essential Tips for Dog and Cat Owners

Is Anesthesia-Free Dentistry Putting Your Pet’s Health at Risk?

I’m Dr. Andrew Jones, and today, I want to talk to you about the rise of anesthesia-free dentistry for pets. Is it really safe, or is it putting your dog or cat’s health at risk? I’ll also share my top seven home remedies that can help keep your pet’s teeth clean at home. Stick around until the end for a couple of brand-new tips! If you’re looking to learn more about natural pet health and wellness, you’ve come to the right place—subscribe to Veterinary Secrets and get a copy of my free book!

Dental Health and Veterinary Costs

My dog, Tula, doesn’t have the best teeth. If you lift her lips, you’ll see plaque and tartar buildup on her canine teeth, incisors, and upper premolars. Dental health is crucial to your pet’s overall health, and yes, professional veterinary dental care is important. Unfortunately, the cost of a veterinary dental cleaning, including scaling, polishing, and sometimes extractions, can exceed $1,000! This makes it unaffordable for many pet owners.

That’s where the rise in anesthesia-free dentistry comes in. While veterinary associations are strongly against it, citing that it’s risky for pets, not everyone can afford full anesthesia-based dental cleanings. So, what’s the solution? Should we let pets suffer with dental disease, or is there a middle ground?

Personally, I believe it’s better to address dental issues in some way rather than allowing plaque and tartar to worsen. While professional care is ideal, there are some effective home remedies that can help. Let me show you my top seven.

Top 7 Home Remedies for Your Pet’s Dental Health

1. Hand Scaling

Hand scaling can be an effective way to remove plaque and tartar from your pet’s teeth. Using a simple dental hand scaler, which can be purchased on Amazon for around $25, you can scrape the tartar off your pet’s teeth. It’s not for every pet, as it requires a cooperative dog or cat, but I’ve found success with my last dog, Lewis. His teeth stayed clean, and he never needed a professional dental cleaning.

2. Propolis (Bee Glue)

Propolis, a product of honeybees, has been well studied for its effectiveness in reducing plaque and the bacteria responsible for dental disease. You can use a spray or even capsules (100 mg per 10 lbs of body weight). Spraying it into your dog or cat’s mouth once daily can make a big difference.

3. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has great antibacterial properties, and studies show it can reduce gingivitis. You can apply a small amount to your finger and rub it along your pet’s gum line. Do this twice daily for a month and see if there’s improvement in their dental health.

4. Probiotics

Recent studies show that certain probiotics can improve oral health. I recommend sprinkling probiotics like Lactobacillus on your pet’s food and even applying some directly to their gums. This can help promote healthy bacteria in their mouth and reduce plaque formation.

5. Foods That Clean Teeth

Carrots are a great natural option for cleaning your pet’s teeth due to their abrasive quality. If your dog likes them, feeding carrots regularly can help keep their teeth clean. There are also dental treats like Plaque Busters made from oyster shells, coconut, and sweet potato, which many pet parents find effective.

6. Green Tea Rinse

Green tea is another natural remedy with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Steeping and cooling green tea, then using a syringe to flush your pet’s gum line, can help fight plaque-causing bacteria. Repeat this daily for the best results.

7. Honey

Surprisingly, honey is not harmful to teeth as once believed. In fact, honey’s antibacterial properties can help reduce plaque and tartar. You can apply a small amount of honey directly to your pet’s gum line or mix it with green tea for a daily rinse.

If your pet has dental issues and you can’t afford veterinary care, don’t shy away from these home remedies. They can make a big difference in your pet’s oral health. While I always recommend professional cleanings when possible, these simple solutions can help keep your pet’s teeth and gums healthy in between vet visits.

Thanks for watching, and don’t forget to subscribe to Veterinary Secrets for more tips on natural pet health!